Indoor vs Outdoor Domed Labels: Which Should You Choose?

Often, businesses think all domed labels offer the same level of durability, regardless of the environment they are used in. However, the environment can significantly affect a domed label’s effectiveness and appearance. Whether your business is branding a product for indoor retail use or identifying equipment exposed to the elements, as is often the case in the automotive industry, choosing the right domed label can significantly improve performance and reduce replacement costs. Understanding the difference between indoor and outdoor domed labels helps ensure your business selects the most suitable solution for its application.

Why Environment Matters More Than Most Businesses Realise

A domed label used in the automotive industry has very different conditions to deal with compared to one attached to an indoor presentation box. Factors such as rain and moisture, UV exposure, temperature changes, oils and chemicals can all affect a label’s appearance and adhesion over time. This is why understanding where the domed label will be used, whether indoors or outdoors, is often more important than choosing the size or shape of the label itself.

When Indoor Domed Labels Are the Better Choice

When thinking about indoor domed labels, it is worth for businesses to ask first, “Where do I want to use the domed labels?” Indoor domed labels are often chosen for products where visual impact is the main goal. They are known for their eye-catching “glossy” look, which helps to create a premium look while also helping protect the design from everyday scratches.
They are often used in industries such as retail packaging, where presentation of the product can really influence consumers brand recognition. For example, many beauty brands use domed label stickers to highlight the look of their products with “glossy” domed labels, to strengthen brand awareness. Another common use is consumer electronics, where clear branding helps brands stand out from their competitors. In these indoor situations, the goal is usually more about the visual look, branding, and how the product is being presented.

What Makes Outdoor Domed Labels Different?

When it comes to outdoor domed labels, there are a few things you need to bear in mind, such as the temperatures and conditions your product will be sitting in. The clear polyurethane coating on domed labels acts as a protective layer against harsh environments, scratches and UV exposure. Because of this, brands often use them on outdoor products, such as automotive parts and machinery, where the product needs to maintain a premium-quality appearance.
Not only does the UV resistance help prevent domed labels from losing their colour over time, but the coating is also resistant to oils and chemicals that products may come into contact within outdoor environments. This makes outdoor domed labels a popular choice for products that need to look good and last, even when exposed to tougher conditions.

Why Industrial Resin Domed Labels Need Extra Protection

Industrial surroundings can often put domed labels under more demanding conditions than normal indoor use. This is a reason why industrial resin domed labels are developed with an additional protection layer and have higher quality materials to ensure the long-term performance.
Unlike the normal resin domed labels, industrial labels are often exposed to constant heavy handling, machinery contact and frequent cleaning with different types of chemicals. In industries such as automotive, manufacturing, labels are rarely used as “decorative”, and their function must remain readable and intact for the long term.
Here are the main reasons why extra protection is needed:

Chemical exposure

Industrial environments often involve regular contact with different chemicals, fuels and oils that come from those industries. These chemicals can break down a lower quality adhesive that could lead to damaging the surface of the labels.

Durability

Resin domed labels are built to resist constant handling, different scratches, and machinery contact. A stronger resin domed label can help to protect the print while also keeping it clear and professional.

Temperature conditions

High and freezing cold temperature conditions in product storage areas can affect label quality. It can weaken the adhesion and therefore lower the quality of its performance. That is a reason why, often, domed label printing processes include reinforcing adhesive systems that are specifically designed to overcome extreme conditions.

Adhesives and materials

Industrial domed labels require high-performance adhesives to stay secure on different surfaces such as metal, plastic, and coated surfaces. Tougher polyurethane coatings are often used to improve resistance and long-term adhesion.

A Simple Way to Choose the Right Domed Label

 

Need Help Choosing?

Every industry is different, and so are the needs when it comes to choosing the right domed labels for your products. Whether you require a polyurethane domed label for outdoor products or industrial resin domed labels for harsher weather conditions, selecting the right materials and adhesive systems for your product labels can significantly improve label performance and longevity. At Acorn Print we can help with both and identify the best option for your specific needs.

Give us a call on  01606 782675, email us at info@acornprintlabels.co.uk or fill in our enquiry form.